For the season premiere of X Factor USA, Britney Spears stepped out in a vivid blue, printed Herve Leger Stella McCartney dress from the British designer’s pre-fall 2012 collection.

On paper, Britney in Stella – in fact, Britters in anything that isn’t a bandage dress – is a breath of fresh air. The actual results however, are a little bit disappointing and we are angry with ourselves for thinking it. We want her to be America’s sweetheart circa 1999 all over again!

So here are our problems with the look: the dress sits at that awkward literal knee length, and between that, the high neckline and the fact that we think she could have done with a bigger size, we don’t think it’s the most flattering of outfits for Britney’s figure.

We heart the fact that Brit is taking some sartorial risks though, and we don’t want her to be discouraged from branching out in the future.

Because we love Britney and want to see her in a positive light, we’re going to look at her Elle US cover and editorial images again!

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